David Mentink

David “Dave” Mentink, 79, of Denton, Texas, passed away on November 13, 2022. Dave was born to Edwin and Vera Mentink of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. He graduated from Cedar Grove High School and enlisted into the U.S. Navy Reserves. During two years of active duty, his orders took him to Newfoundland and Cuba among other places. Dave spent 26 years as a Sea Bee, retiring as an E-9 Command Master Chief of RNMCB-25.

Dave also spent 38 years as a union carpenter and held offices in his local union as recording secretary, JAC Representative, and door warden. For 18 years, he served as the apprentice and journey person training coordinator for the Greater Wisconsin Carpenter’s Bargaining Unit and Training Fund.

In 2005, Dave and his wife, Connie, moved from Darboy, Wisconsin to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas to enjoy their retirement. They kept very busy. Dave was a member of the Hot Springs Pickleball Club, the Mountain Valley Sportsman Association, Woodlands Presbyterian Church, and the Village Cribbage Club. He also loved riding his Harley Davidson and was an active member of the Harley Owners Group.

Dave also an active volunteer. While in Sheboygan, he served as president of the board at the Southside Childrens’ Center. He was a founding member of Faith Reformed Church in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. After retiring, he went to Mississippi to rebuild houses for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, was one of the original drivers for the SCAT program in Hot Springs Village and helped out twice a month at the East Gate also in Hot Springs Village. He also volunteered his carpenter skills at Garvan Gardens building the bonsai house and other remodeling projects. In addition, he put his skills to use making bookcases for schools and toys during the holidays for underprivileged children.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Thomas), 3 grandsons (Brian, Michael, and Jake Mentink), and his wife, Connie, of 37 years. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Joellyn), Hope Bruggink, Keith (Sharon) Hahn, James (Mary) Mentink, and Rachel (Jason) Mentink-Ferraro, two brothers (Ron and Paul Mentink), and sister (Margaret Sholta), 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grand-children.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Dave’s life with military honors will take place on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am at Faith Reformed Church in Cedar Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hot Springs Village SCAT (villagescat.org) or Hot Springs Village Walk for Cancer (walkforcancerresearch.org).